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Forum Index : Solar : Adding new solar panels to old
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Tim_the_bloke Senior Member  Joined: 15/11/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 105 |
I have been told old solar panels can limit the performance of new panels. I am about to purchase some more solar panels to upgrade my old small off grid system. Currently I have one 80W polycrystaline panel which has been working for perhaps 15years. I am considering buying three new 80W monocrystaline panels. Can I just add them in parallel to the existing panel? Or, should I install them as a seperate bank charging a seperate bank of batteries? I intend to replace batteries as well. I know new batteries should not be added to an old battery bank. |
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5019 |
Hi Tim Yes they will work fine connected in parallel. Its when you connect them in series that you will have problems. A string of solar panels connected in series will only ever supply as much current as the weakest panel. Same with shadows on a panel, if you have one cell shaded, say from a big leaf, then the whole panel might as well be in the shade. Thats why its important to wash off bird poo. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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| Tim_the_bloke Senior Member Joined: 15/11/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 105 |
Good. That makes installation much easier. Thanks for the advice. |
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KarlJ Guru  Joined: 19/05/2008 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1178 |
Oh make sure the open circuit voltages are in the ball park with each other. if old panels are 24V and new panels 36V then no point putting the old panels in the mix as they will contribute nothing. Karl Luck favours the well prepared |
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